Emergency Admissions

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he proposes to ensure that there are no further closures of emergency admissions to hospitals in West Glamorgan; on how many occasions emergency admissions have been closed since July; how many patients have been refused admission; and if he will make a statement. [218]

Hospitals in West Glamorgan have closed to medical emergencies on 44 occasions since the beginning of July. However, no patient has been refused treatment.

This is a matter between the West Glamorgan health authority and local trusts. This issue will be discussed between NHS representatives and the Department shortly when it is hoped that an agreement can be reached on an approach to minimise the risk to patient services both over the coming winter and in the longer term.